It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert Dale Benson on November 18, 2024, at the age of 73. He passed away very peacefully while surrounded by family in his home in Austin, Texas.

Bob (or Bobby, Dad or BobBob depending on who is speaking!) was born on April 17th, 1951, in Jacksonville, Florida to Robert Richard Benson and Frances Herrington Benson. He grew up in San Antonio, Texas where he graduated from Alamo Heights High School in 1969. Bob continued to have many beloved friends and family in San Antonio during his entire life and up through his death.

After leaving home, Bob went on to continue his education at Texas State University and University of Texas. Early during this time, he met his future wife, Dawnelle Anderson, to whom he was married in 1976. In 1982, they together welcomed their only child, Brooklie Dawn, who was their greatest love and joy. Fatherhood was one of his brightest accomplishments and sources of pride and purpose.

Bob began his lifelong career in real estate in Austin in 1972 when employed by T.E. Wiley Company and later worked in the capacity of Vice President of Byram Properties. In late 1982, Bob began his own professional management company, Benson Investments, Inc., the family business to which he passionately dedicated his entire career. As a broker and property manager, Bob’s robust experience in real estate was marked by board memberships and leadership positions in numerous organizations. Some of the most notable were his role as past president of the Austin Apartment Association and past president of the Texas Apartment Association.

Beyond work, Bob was known as a stylish guy with a big heart always spreading joy. He was passionate about spending time on the lake, traveling, cheering on the Longhorns and hosting family gatherings. He was a spectator of classic cars, a water/snow ski enthusiast and lover of good food. Bob had a generous spirit and he was often helping others, whether that be mentoring young real estate professionals or supporting people in hardship. Family was always at the center of his life and he cherished time with his wife and grandchildren. He delighted in watching them play sports, taking part in their school lives and treating them to the most delicious of desserts.

Bob was lucky to have a loving wife, Jan Jaster, to whom he married in 2018 after decades of devoted partnership. Together, they shared an enthusiasm for beautiful gardens, traveling the world, grilling, watching football and a commitment to their daughters and grandchildren.

Bob Benson is survived by his wife Jan Jaster Benson; his daughter Brooklie Benson Gonzales and her husband Steven Gonzales; his granddaughters Helena Gonzales and Louisa Gonzales; his stepdaughter Courtney Carlton and stepgrandson Parker Carlton; his sister Sheila Brunke and family; his sister Deedie Brogan and family; a beloved extended family and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Dawnelle Benson and his parents Bob and Frances Benson.

A celebration of Bob Benson’s life will be held in Austin on December 13th at 11 a.m. at the Smith Family Chapel at Riverbend Church with a reception to follow. Family, friends, and colleagues are invited to gather to honor his memory and celebrate his legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to American Parkinson’s Disease Association, a cause that reflects Bob’s strong and valiant fight against Parkinson’s disease.

Bob will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for his generosity, friendship, unwavering love, and lasting impact on all who knew him.